Composite cable gripper

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a housing. The apparatus includes a first end and a second end. The apparatus includes a first wedge having a first groove. The first wedge is contained in the housing. The apparatus includes a second wedge having a second groove. The second wedge is contained in the housing and is positioned adjacent the first wedge. A gripper profile is formed along the length of the first wedge and the second wedge by the first groove and the second groove. The gripper profile has a first shape at the first end and tapers along a length of the first wedge and the second wedge to form a second shape, different from the first shape, at the second end.

BACKGROUND

Composite wireline cable or slickline cable is used in the oil field to convey tools and instruments to depths of interest in a borehole. The temperature in such depths of interest may be high. Gripping a composite wireline or slickline cable at high temperatures is a challenge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a slickline system.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a gripper with an end-loading housing.

FIG. 3A shows a plan view of a gripper with a side-loading housing.

FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of a gripper with a side-loading housing.

FIG. 3C shows a cross sectional view of a gripper with a side-loading housing.

FIG. 3D shows a cross sectional view of a gripper with a side-loading housing.

FIG. 3E shows an exploded view of a gripper with a side-loading housing.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a wedge.

FIG. 4B shows a plan view of a wedge.

FIG. 4C shows a plan view of a wedge.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of assembling a slickline cable to a gripper.

FIG. 6A shows construction of a gripper with a side-loading housing.

FIG. 6B shows construction of a gripper with a side-loading housing.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a slickline cable with an optical fiber.

FIG. 8 shows a shear strain distribution on a cable undergoing stress being applied in a circular pattern.

FIG. 9 shows a shear strain distribution on a cable undergoing stress being applied in an elliptical pattern.

FIG. 10A shows a cross-sectional view of two abutted wedges.

FIG. 10B shows a cross-sectional view of a gripper profile.

FIG. 10C shows a cross-sectional view of a gripper profile.

FIG. 10D shows a cross-sectional view of a gripper profile.

FIG. 10E shows a cross-sectional view of a gripper profile.

FIG. 11 shows a general cross-sectional view of a gripper profile.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for designing a shear strain distribution.

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of a gripper having more than two wedges.

FIG. 13B is an exploded view of a gripper having more than two wedges.

FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view of a gripper having more than two wedges.

FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view of a gripper having segmented wedges.

FIG. 14B is an exploded view of a gripper having segmented wedges.

FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view of a gripper having segmented wedges.

FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of a gripper having wedges secured by an O-ring.

FIG. 15B is an exploded view of a gripper having more wedges secured by an O-ring.

FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view of a gripper having wedges secured by an O-ring.

FIG. 16 is cross-sectional views of various gripper profile edges.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this disclosure describes a land-based slickline system, it will be understood that the equipment and techniques described herein are applicable in sea-based systems, multilateral wells, and similar environments. Further, while this disclosure describes a gripper for a slickline cable, it will be understood that the techniques described herein can be used with any type of cable.

In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 1, a slickline system 100 includes a tool (or tools) 102 coupled to a composite wireline cable or slickline cable 104 (hereinafter “slickline cable”) by a gripper 106. In one or more embodiments, the slickline cable 104 is thin, hard, and rigid, such as the composite slickline described in WO 2014/137335 (entitled “Bonded Slickline and Methods of Use”), which is assigned to the assignee of the present application. In one or more embodiments, the slickline system 100 uses a wire slickline cable 104 with different material properties and varied physical dimensions. In one or more embodiments, the tools 102 are lowered into a borehole 108. In one or more embodiments, the slickline cable 104 is stored on a draw works or spool 110 and proceeds through a pulley or system of pulleys 112 and through a packing assembly (not shown). In one or more embodiments, the slickline cable 104 proceeds through a blow-out preventer (not shown) that enables personnel to seal the well if, for example, the packing assembly fails.

In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 2, the gripper 106 includes an end-loading housing 202, a first wedge 204, a second wedge 206, and a bolt 208. In one or more embodiments, the gripper 106 is assembled by threading the slickline cable 104 through the bolt 208 (from left to right on FIG. 2) and into the end-loading housing 202. In one or more embodiments, the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 are assembled around the slickline cable 104 and inserted into the end-loading housing 202. In one or more embodiments, the end-loading housing 202 includes features that match corresponding features in the first wedge 204 and second wedge 206 that guide and secure the insertion. The bolt 208 is then threaded into the end-loading housing 202 and tightened, which presses the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 together and compresses the slickline cable 104, as discussed below in connection with FIGS. 7-12.

In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 3A-E, the gripper 106 includes a side-loading housing 302 that includes an aperture 304 through which the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 can be inserted into the side-loading housing 302. In one or more embodiments, the side-loading housing 302 is the same as the end-loading housing 202 except that the end-loading housing 202 does not include the aperture 304, the pin holes 318 or the pins 326, discussed below. With those exceptions, “housing 302” includes both the side-loading housing 302 and the end-loading housing 202.

In one or more embodiments, the housing 302 includes a first end 306. In one or more embodiments, the housing 302 includes a second end 308. In one or more embodiments, the housing 302 includes a wall 310 (best seen in FIG. 3B). In one or more embodiments, the wall 310 includes an internal surface 312 facing a volume 314 inside the housing 302. In one or more embodiments, the wall 310 includes an external surface 316 (see FIG. 3B). In one or more embodiments, the housing 302 includes a housing inlet 318 (see FIG. 3B) that penetrates the wall 310 in the first end 306. In one or more embodiments, the housing inlet 318 allows the gripper to couple to the tools 102, as shown in FIG. 1. In one or more embodiments, the housing 302 includes one or more pin holes 320 (two are shown) that penetrate the wall 310. In one or more embodiments, the gripper 106 includes the first wedge 204. In one or more embodiments, the first wedge 204 has a first groove 322 (see FIGS. 3C and 3D). In one or more embodiments, the first wedge 204 is contained in the housing 302. In one or more embodiments, the gripper 106 includes a second wedge 206 having a second groove 324 (see FIGS. 3C and 3D). In one or more embodiments, the second wedge 206 is contained in the housing and positioned adjacent to the first wedge 204. In one or more embodiments, the second wedge 206 abuts the first wedge 204. In one or more embodiments, a gripper profile (described in connection with FIGS. 10A-E and FIG. 1), is formed along a length of the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 by the first groove 322 and the second groove 324. In one or more embodiments, as described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 10A-E and FIG. 11, the gripper profile has a first shape at the first end 306 and tapers along the length (i.e., from the first end 306 to the second end 308 of the housing 302) of the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 to form a second shape at the second end 308. In one or more embodiments, the gripper 106 includes a pin 326 through the pin hole 320 to secure the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 in the housing 302.

In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 are similar to each other, with the only differences being in manufacturing tolerances. In one or more embodiments, as discussed below in connection with FIG. 11, the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 are different. In one or more embodiments, the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 have a first end 402 that, when installed in the housing 302, is closer to the first end 306 of the housing than the second end 308 of the housing 302. In one or more embodiments, the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 have a second end 404 that, when installed in the housing 302, is closer to the second end 308 of the housing than the first end 306 of the housing 302. In one or more embodiments, the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 include a flat portion 406 adjacent to the first end 402 that deviates from a typical wedge shape. In one or more embodiments, the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 include a flat portion 408 adjacent to the second end 404 that deviates from a typical wedge shape. In one or more embodiments, the flat portion 406 has a length 410 and the flat portion 408 has a length 412. In one or more embodiments, the length 410 of the flat portion 406 substantially equals (i.e., in one or more embodiments, is within 10 millimeters (mm) of; in one or more embodiments, is within 50 mm of; in one or more embodiments, is within 100 mm of) the length 312 of the flat portion 408.

In one or more embodiments, attachment of the gripper 106 to the slickline cable 104, described in FIG. 5 and illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, begins by entering the slickline cable 104 into the gripper having a gripper profile formed by the first groove 322 in the first wedge 204 and the second groove 324 in the second wedge 206 (block 505), as described above in connection with FIGS. 4A-4C. In one or more embodiments, when the end-loading housing 202 is used, the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 204 are assembled around the slickline cable 104 outside the end-loading housing 202 and then inserted into the end-loading housing 202. In one or more embodiments, the same process can be followed with the side-loading housing 302. Alternatively, the following process can be followed with the side-loading housing 302: the first wedge 204 can be inserted into the side-loading housing 302 through the aperture 304, the slickline cable 104 can then be threaded through the side-loading housing 302, the second wedge 206 can then be inserted into the side-loading housing 302, pins 326 can be inserted into the pin holes 320 (two are shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, although that number can vary) (block 510). In any case (i.e., using the end-loading housing 202, the side-loading housing 302 loaded through the end or through the aperture 304) the bolt 208 is then be screwed into the housing 302 (block 515) and then tightened to compress the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 causing the slickline cable to be compressed, as discussed below in connection with FIGS. 7-12 (block 520).

In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 7, the slickline cable 104 includes an optical fiber 702, a carbon fiber matrix jacket 704, and a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) shell 706.

In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 8, showing the shear stress profile of a slickline cable 104 being compressed by a gripper 105 with a circular gripper profile (discussed below in connection with FIGS. 10A-E and FIG. 11), it can be seen that the center section of the slickline cable 104 experiences less strain than the outer sections of the slickline cable 104. In one or more embodiments, this means that the outer fibers of the carbon fiber matrix jacket 704 will fail before the inner fibers.

In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 9, showing the shear stress profile of a slickline cable 104 being compressed by a gripper 105 with an elliptical gripper profile (discussed below in connection with FIGS. 10A-E and FIG. 11), it can be seen that the strain profile is more uniform than shown in FIG. 8. In one or more embodiments, this means that the fibers of the carbon fiber matrix jacket 704 will wear more uniformly.

Thus, in one or more embodiments, from the perspective of carbon fiber matrix jacket 604 wear, an elliptical gripper profile, as illustrated in FIG. 9, is preferable to a circular gripper profile, as illustrated in FIG. 8. If the wear on the optical fiber 702 at the center of the slickline cable 104 is a consideration, however, the circular gripper profile, with lower shear stress at the center of the slickline cable 104, might be preferable to the elliptical gripper profile because the higher shear stress at the center of the slickline cable 104 with an elliptical gripper profile (FIG. 9) might damage the optical fiber 702.

In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. 10A-E, the gripper profile is varied over the length of the gripper 106 in order to satisfy design considerations. In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10A, the gripper profile 902 is formed by abutting the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 in such a way that the first groove 322 aligns with the second groove 324. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the gripper profile 902 is formed by the first groove 322 and the second groove 324. A plane 1001 (represented by a line in FIG. 10A; the plane is perpendicular to the sheet of paper on which FIGS. 10A-10E is printed) separates the first wedge 204 from the second wedge 206.

FIG. 10B illustrates various locations 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, and 1014 along the gripper profile where cross sections are taken. FIGS. 10C-10E illustrate three different gripper profiles 1002. In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 10C, in which cross-sectional representations are aligned with the cross-sectional locations 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012, 1014 and the numbers above the cross-sectional representations (i.e., 1:1) represent the ratio of a first axis, which is parallel to the paper on which FIGS. 10A-10E are printed and parallel to the plane 1001 separating the first wedge 204 from the second wedge 206, to a second axis, which is perpendicular to the paper on which FIGS. 10A-10E are printed and parallel to the plane separating the first wedge 204 from the second wedge 206, the gripper profile 1002 is circular in cross-section from one end to the other. In one or more embodiments, the gripper profile 1002 tapers smoothly from one end to another.

In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 10D, the gripper profile 1002 begins with an elliptical cross section with a first axis to second axis ratio of 2:1 at cross sectional location 1004 and goes through the following transitions: (a) to an elliptical cross section with a first axis to second axis ratio of 1.8:1 at cross-sectional location 1006, (b) to an elliptical cross section with a first axis to second axis ratio of 1.6:1 at cross-sectional location 1008, (c) to an elliptical cross section with a first axis to second axis ratio of 1.4:1 at cross-sectional location 1010, (d) to an elliptical cross section with a first axis to second axis ratio of 1.2:1 at cross-sectional location 1012, (e) to a circular cross section with a first axis to second axis ratio of 1:1 at cross-sectional location 1014.

In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 10E, the gripper profile 1002 begins with a circular cross section at cross sectional location 1004 with a first axis to second axis ratio of 1:1 and goes through the following transitions: (a) to an elliptical cross section with a first axis to second axis ratio of 1:1.2 at cross-sectional location 1006, (b) to an elliptical cross section with a first axis to second axis ratio of 1:1.4 at cross-sectional location 1008, (c) to an elliptical cross section with a first axis to second axis ratio of 1:1.6 at cross-sectional location 1010, (d) to an elliptical cross section with a first axis to second axis ratio of 1:1.8 at cross-sectional location 1012, (e) to an elliptical cross section with a first axis to second axis ratio of 1:2 at cross-sectional location 1014. Note that the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10E is unlikely to be used because the currently-envisioned applications have the more elliptical cross-section down hole and the more circular cross section uphole, as in FIG. 10D. It is intended, however, that these embodiment are included in the scope of the appended claims.

In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 11, the gripper profile 1002 is defined by two functions: f₁(x, y, z), representing the shape of the first groove 322, and f₂(x, y, z), representing the shape of the second groove 324. In one or more embodiments, the gripper profile is symmetrical, i.e., f₁(x, y, z)=−f₂(x, y, z). In one or more embodiments, the gripper profile is not symmetrical, i.e., f₁(x, y, z)≠−f₂(x, y, z).

In one or more embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a gripper 106 is designed by selecting a slickline cable 104 (block 1202). In one or more embodiments, the shear strain profile (such as those shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) to be applied to the slickline cable 104 is then designed (block 1204). In one or more embodiments, a tapering channel (such as the gripper profile 1002) into which the slickline cable 104 is to be inserted is then designed to achieve the determined shear strain profile (block 1206). In one or more embodiments, a first gripper block (such as the first wedge 204) with a first groove (such as the first groove 322) and a second gripper block (such as the second wedge 206) with a second groove (such as the second groove 324) are then designed such that the first groove aligned with the second groove forms a channel matching the tapering channel (such as the gripper profile 1002) (blocks 1208, 1210).

In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13C, the number of wedges is greater than two. In one or more embodiments, the gripper 106 includes 4 wedges 1302, 1304, 1306, and 1308. In one or more embodiments, the wedges 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308 are equal to each other and when they are assembled together, as shown in FIG. 13C, they substantially (i.e., within 25 percent of full) fill the volume 314 (see FIG. 3) in substantially (i.e., within 5 percent) equal proportions. In one or more embodiments (not shown), the wedges 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308 are not equal and each fills a respective portion of the volume 314. In one or more embodiments, the number of wedges is different from 2 or 4. In one or more embodiments, the number of wedges is even (i.e., a multiple of 2). In one or more embodiments, the number of wedges is odd (i.e., a multiple of 2+1).

In one or more embodiments, mating surfaces on each wedge, such as wedges 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308, match mating surfaces on adjacent wedges. In one or more embodiments, each wedge provides its respective portion of the gripper profile 1002.

In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14C, the wedges are segmented. In one or more embodiments, the gripper 106 includes 4 wedges 1402, 1404, 1406, and 1408. In one or more embodiments, at least one of the wedges is segmented into segments 1402 a, 1402 b, and 1402 c. In one or more embodiments, all of the wedges are segmented into segments (1402 a, 1402 b, and 1402 c; 1404 a, 1404 b, and 1404 c; 1406 a, 1406 b, and 1406 c; and 1408 a, 1408 b, and 1408 c). In one or more embodiments, the number of segments per wedge is different from that shown in FIGS. 14A-14C. In one or more embodiments, each wedge has the same number of segments. In one or more embodiments, each wedge does not have the same number of segments (e.g., wedge 1402 is not segmented; wedge 1404 has 2 segments; wedge 1406 has 3 segments, and 1408 has 3 segments).

In one or more embodiments, mating surfaces on each segment, such as segments 1402 a, 1402 b, 1402 c, 1404 a, 1404 b, 1404 c, 1406 a, 1406 b, and 1406 c, 1408 a, 1408 b, and 1408 c, match mating surfaces on adjacent segments and/or one or more of the wedges. In one or more embodiments, each segment provides its respective portion of the gripper profile 1002.

In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15C, the wedges are held together by screws and an O-ring as the gripper 106 is assembled. In one or more embodiments, the gripper includes two wedges 1502, 1504. In one or more embodiments, the wedges 1502, 1504 include an O-ring groove 1506 and screw holes 1508. Prior to assembly into the housing 202, the wedges 1502, 1504 are held together by two screws 1510 at one end and an O-ring 1512 at the other end. In one or more embodiments, the screw holes 1508 are tapped with threads to secure the screws 1510. In one or more embodiments, springs 1514 between the wedges 1502, 1504 bias the screws 1510 to ensure that they tighten evenly.

In one or more embodiments, the gripper 106 is assembled by positioning the springs 1514 as shown in FIG. 15B, inserting the screws 1510 into the screw holes 1508, positioning the O-ring 1512 in the O-ring groove 1506, and tightening the screws 1510. The resulting assembly is then inserted into the housing 202 and the bolt 208 is inserted and tightened.

It will be understood that the technique illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15C can be used in embodiments with more than two wedges, as illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13C, or embodiments with segmented wedges, as illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14C, with the addition of screws and O-rings for each segment.

In one or more embodiments, the gripper 106 is an “active grip” device. That is, in one or more embodiments, the greater the pull in a load bearing direction (i.e., in the direction of the surface), the greater the grip exerted by the gripper 106. In one or more embodiments, the tapering channel tapers substantially linearly. In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 16 (showing one edge 1602, 1604, 1606, and 1608 of the tapering channel and a load bearing direction 1610), the tapering channel tapers substantially non-linearly. In one or more embodiments, the tapering channel tapers in a substantially step-like fashion, having edge 1602. In one or more embodiments, the tapering channel tapers in a triangular fashion, having edge 1604. In one or more embodiments, the tapering channel tapers in a saw tooth fashion, having edge 1606. In one or more embodiments, the tapering channel tapers in a rip saw tooth fashion, having edge 1608. In one or more embodiments, the edges 1604, 1606, and 1608 are truncated, i.e., the pointed tips 1610, 1612, and 1614 (indicated by the dashed circles on FIG. 16), are flattened, e.g. as shown by the dashed lines 1616, 1618, and 1620 (although it will be understood that other forms of flattening, such as a rounded flattening or a flattening that is not parallel to the bottom edge of the paper FIG. 16 is printed on, are envisioned).

In one or more embodiments, the first groove tapers substantially linearly. In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16, the first groove tapers substantially non-linearly (having an edge similar to edges 1602, 1604, 1606, and 1608). In one or more embodiments, the first groove tapers in a substantially step-like fashion, having edge 1602. In one or more embodiments, the first groove tapers in a triangular fashion, having edge 1604. In one or more embodiments, the first groove tapers in a saw tooth fashion, having edge 1606. In one or more embodiments, the first groove tapers in a rip saw tooth fashion, having edge 1608.

In one or more embodiments, the channel tapers substantially linearly. In one or more embodiments, the channel tapers substantially non-linearly. In one or more embodiments, the tapering channel tapers in a substantially step-like fashion.

In one or more embodiments, designing the tapering channel to achieve the determined shear strain profile means achieving a substantially uniform shear strain profile. In one or more embodiments, designing the tapering channel to achieve the determined shear strain profile means achieving a substantially non-uniform shear strain profile.

References in the specification to “one or more embodiments”, “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an example embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

In one aspect, an apparatus includes a housing. The apparatus includes a first end and a second end. The apparatus includes a first wedge having a first groove. The first wedge is contained in the housing. The apparatus includes a second wedge having a second groove. The second wedge is contained in the housing and is positioned adjacent the first wedge. A gripper profile is formed along the length of the first wedge and the second wedge by the first groove and the second groove. The gripper profile has a first shape at the first end and tapers along a length of the first wedge and the second wedge to form a second shape, different from the first shape, at the second end.

Implementations may include one or more of the following. The first shape may be selected from the group consisting of substantially circular and substantially elliptical. The second shape may be selected from the group consisting of substantially circular and substantially elliptical. The gripper profile may taper substantially linearly along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end. The gripper profile may taper substantially non-linearly along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end. The gripper profile may taper along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end in a shape selected from the group consisting of step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth. The first groove may taper substantially linearly along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end. The first groove may taper substantially non-linearly along the length of the first edge from the first end to the second end. The first groove may taper along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end in a shape selected from the group consisting of step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth.

In one aspect, an apparatus includes a housing. The housing includes a first end and a second end. The apparatus includes a first wedge having a first groove. The first wedge is capable of being positioned into the housing. The apparatus includes a second wedge having a second groove. The second wedge is capable of being positioned into the housing adjacent the first wedge. A gripper profile is formed along the length of the first wedge and the second wedge by the first groove and the second groove. The gripper profile has a first shape at the first end and tapers along the length of the first wedge and second wedge to form a second shape, different from the first shape, at the second end.

Implementations may include one or more of the following. The first shape may be selected from the group consisting of substantially circular and substantially elliptical. The second shape may be selected from the group consisting of substantially circular and substantially elliptical. The gripper profile may taper substantially linearly along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end. The gripper profile may taper substantially non-linearly along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end. The gripper profile may taper along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end in a shape selected from the group consisting of step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth. The first groove may taper substantially linearly along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end. The first groove may taper substantially non-linearly along the length of the first edge from the first end to the second end. The first groove may taper along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end in a shape selected from the group consisting of step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth.

In one aspect, an apparatus includes a wedge. The wedge includes a side, a first end of the side, and a second end of the side. The second end is opposite the first end. A groove runs from the first end of the side to the second end of the side. The groove tapers toward the second end of the side.

Implementations may include one or more of the following. The groove may taper substantially linearly from the first end of the side to the second end of the side. The groove may taper substantially non-linearly from the first end of the side to the second end of the side. The first groove may taper from the first end of the side to the second end of the side in a shape selected from the group consisting of step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth.

In one aspect, a method includes entering a slickline cable into a composite grip tool. The composite grip tool includes a housing. The housing includes a first end and a second end. The composite grip tool includes a first wedge having a first groove. The first wedge is contained in the housing. The composite grip tool includes a second wedge having a second groove. The second wedge is contained in the housing and is positioned adjacent the first wedge. A gripper profile is formed along the length of the first wedge and the second wedge by the first groove and the second groove. The gripper profile has a first shape at the first end and tapers along the length of the first wedge and second wedge to form a second shape at the second end. The method further includes compressing the slickline cable in the gripper profile.

Implementations may include one or more of the following. The first shape may be selected from the group consisting of substantially circular and substantially elliptical. The second shape may be selected from the group consisting of substantially circular and substantially elliptical. The gripper profile may taper substantially linearly along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end. The gripper profile may taper substantially non-linearly along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end. The gripper profile may taper along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end in a shape selected from the group consisting of step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth. The first groove may taper substantially linearly along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end. The first groove may taper substantially non-linearly along the length of the first edge from the first end to the second end. The first groove may taper along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end in a shape selected from the group consisting of step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth. The method may further include deploying the composite grip tool into a borehole.

In one aspect, a method includes selecting a slickline cable. The method includes determining a shear strain profile to be applied to the slickline cable. The method includes designing a tapering channel into which the slickline cable is to be inserted to achieve the determined shear profile. The method includes designing a first gripper block with a first groove. The method includes designing a second gripper block with a second groove, such that the first groove aligned with the second groove forms a channel matching the tapering channel.

Implementations may include one or more of the following. The tapering channel may taper substantially linearly. The tapering channel may taper substantially non-linearly. The tapering channel may taper in a shape selected from the group consisting of step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth. The first groove may taper substantially linearly. The first groove may taper substantially non-linearly. The first groove may taper in a shape selected from the group consisting of step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth. The channel may taper substantially linearly. The channel may taper substantially non-linearly. The tapering channel may taper in a shape selected from the group consisting of step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth. Designing the tapering channel to achieve the determined shear strain profile may include achieving a substantially uniform shear strain profile. Designing the tapering channel to achieve the determined shear strain profile may include achieving a substantially non-uniform shear strain profile.

In one aspect, a method includes selecting a slickline cable. The method includes determining the shear strain profile to be applied to the slickline cable. The method includes designing a first gripper block with a first groove. The method includes designing a second gripper block with a second groove. The method includes positioning the first gripper block adjacent to the second gripper block such that the first groove and the second groove align together to form a tapering channel into which the slickline cable is to be inserted to achieve the determined shear strain profile

Implementations may include one or more of the following. The tapering channel may taper substantially linearly. The tapering channel may tapers substantially non-linearly. The tapering channel may taper in a shape selected from the group consisting of step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth. The first groove may taper substantially linearly. The first groove may taper substantially non-linearly. The first groove may taper in a shape selected from the group consisting of step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth. Designing the tapering channel to achieve the determined shear strain profile may include achieving a substantially uniform shear strain profile. Designing the tapering channel to achieve the determined shear strain profile may include achieving a substantially non-uniform shear strain profile.

In one aspect, an apparatus includes a housing. The housing includes a first end and a second end. The apparatus includes a plurality of wedges, each having a groove and being contained in the housing. The apparatus includes a gripper profile formed along the length of the plurality of wedges by the grooves in the plurality of wedges. The gripper profile has a first shape at the first end and tapers along a length of the first wedge and the second wedge to form a second shape, different from the first shape, at the second end.

Implementations may include one or more of the following. One of the wedges may be segmented into segments. The plurality of wedges may be secured together at the first end by an O-ring. The plurality of wedges may be secured together at the second end by screws.

The word “coupled” herein means a direct connection or an indirect connection.

The text above describes one or more specific embodiments of a broader invention. The invention also is carried out in a variety of alternate embodiments and thus is not limited to those described here. The foregoing description of an embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a housing comprising: a first end, a second end; a first wedge having a first groove, the first wedge contained in the housing; a second wedge having a second groove, the second wedge contained in the housing and positioned adjacent the first wedge; and a gripper profile formed along the length of the first wedge and the second wedge by the first groove and the second groove, wherein the gripper profile has a first shape at the first end and tapers along a length of the first wedge and the second wedge to form a second shape, different from the first shape, at the second end.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first shape is selected from the group consisting of substantially circular and substantially elliptical.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second shape is selected from the group consisting of substantially circular and substantially elliptical.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the gripper profile tapers substantially linearly along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the gripper profile tapers substantially non-linearly along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the gripper profile tapers along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end in a shape selected from the group consisting of step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first groove tapers substantially linearly along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first groove tapers substantially non-linearly along the length of the first edge from the first end to the second end.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first groove tapers along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end in a shape selected from the group consisting of step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth.
 10. An apparatus comprising: a housing comprising: a first end, a second end; a first wedge having a first groove, the first wedge capable of being positioned into the housing; a second wedge having a second groove, the second wedge capable of being positioned into the housing adjacent the first wedge; and a gripper profile formed along the length of the first wedge and the second wedge by the first groove and the second groove, wherein the gripper profile has a first shape at the first end and tapers along the length of the first wedge and second wedge to form a second shape, different from the first shape, at the second end.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first shape is selected from the group consisting of substantially circular and substantially elliptical.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second shape is selected from the group consisting of substantially circular and substantially elliptical.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the gripper profile tapers substantially linearly along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the gripper profile tapers substantially non-linearly along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end.
 15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the gripper profile tapers along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end in a shape selected from the group consisting of step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth.
 16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first groove tapers substantially linearly along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end.
 17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first groove tapers substantially non-linearly along the length of the first edge from the first end to the second end.
 18. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first groove tapers along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end in a shape selected from the group consisting of step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth.
 19. An apparatus comprising: a wedge comprising: a side; a first end of the side; a second end of the side, wherein the second end is opposite the first end; a groove running from the first end of the side to the second end of the side, wherein the groove tapers toward the second end of the side.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the groove tapers substantially linearly from the first end of the side to the second end of the side. 21.-57. (canceled) 